Best steadicam (stabilizer) for DSLR
- Thread starter macgregor
- Start date
HansSteinert
Well-known member
Glidecam HD-2000 and HD-4000 are very good for those on a budget. But since you said "no budget compromise," things get complicated. You see, top of the line steadicam rigs can cost more than 6 figures. So surely you have some sort of budget, no?
G
Guest
Guest
I enjoy the fluid control of flying a full sized rig by adding weights to the dlsr, but if you want to fly around uninhibited (i.e. small rooms and spaces), using a small Merlin to HD-2000/4000 will be just fine.
Really depends on what kind of shots you are trying to accomplish. And how long and smooth you want each take.
If you want to go with smooth gorgeous shots, or long takes, or flying all day, a Steadicam flyer, or similar full rig.
If you want very dynamic movements, such as near the ground to over the head, than a merlin or short setup of the Glidecam HD series.
The HD2000 gives you traditional steadicam sled style in a small form, but can tire the wrist more easily. I have not use the Merlin extensively, but with the grip more near the center of gravity, I felt less wrist torque, but also had less precision of the pan. The Merlin is great for moving around quickly and dynamically, but is sensitive.
I will say be careful with the ebay 'merlin' copies. I purchased the $75 one, and it was useless. Hopefully someone may have more insight on the others.
Really depends on what kind of shots you are trying to accomplish. And how long and smooth you want each take.
If you want to go with smooth gorgeous shots, or long takes, or flying all day, a Steadicam flyer, or similar full rig.
If you want very dynamic movements, such as near the ground to over the head, than a merlin or short setup of the Glidecam HD series.
The HD2000 gives you traditional steadicam sled style in a small form, but can tire the wrist more easily. I have not use the Merlin extensively, but with the grip more near the center of gravity, I felt less wrist torque, but also had less precision of the pan. The Merlin is great for moving around quickly and dynamically, but is sensitive.
I will say be careful with the ebay 'merlin' copies. I purchased the $75 one, and it was useless. Hopefully someone may have more insight on the others.
Last edited:
WhiteMonkey
Well-known member
We have the Glidecam 4000 with the support arm and vest. Balancing was easy but there a learning curve to using the arms although internet videos of the system look promising. Wish I had more time to play...
After using Merlin and Glidecam, I think both are functioning pretty well. The Merlin 2 might be the best as it is purposely designed for DSLR as far as advertised compared to Glidecam and Merlin (the current model) which are all designed based on camcorders.
The vest and arm will surely help for long term shooting no matter which brand you go with!
If for budget, for camera less than 1.6 kg I highly recommend HD-1000 and for something heavier (less than 2.6 kg though), the Merlin is the best.
Hope that is helping you in one way or another.
The vest and arm will surely help for long term shooting no matter which brand you go with!
If for budget, for camera less than 1.6 kg I highly recommend HD-1000 and for something heavier (less than 2.6 kg though), the Merlin is the best.
Hope that is helping you in one way or another.
Steadicam Tango and Zephyr are worth a look for DSLR. Though, as James mentioned, there are shots you can do with Merlin you can't do with a vested system.
http://www.freshdv.com/2010/04/stillmotion-zephyr.html
http://www.freshdv.com/2010/04/stillmotion-zephyr.html
I have both the Merlin and the Steadicam Pilot and I can say unequivocally that the Pilot balances in a tenth of the time and it can hold anything from a GH2 to a fully configured Epic without any problem whatsever. Personally, I think the learning curve on the Merlin is greater than on the Steadicam Pilot. The Merlin is light, convenient and easily stored. It will hold a D4 or a 1D without an issue. However, regardless of what they say about the version 2 as being designed for a DSLR, it isn't true. The Merlin's design is for a camcorder with a rectangular box form which extends forward. A dslr is a horizontal beast. With the weight of the battery on one side and a multitude of lens lengths it is entirely possible that the center of gravity is not even underneath the camera at times. Additionally, the higher the center of gravity as on a 1Dx the less stable the overall system. This leads to sway, greater wind susceptibility, twisting on the center screw (which they still haven't solved with a locking pin solution in v2) and it will thus need to be rebalanced after practically every run. I do like that there is an integrated start/stop function in the handle of v2 though.
All that considered, one day you will want that vest and arm for a cleaner longer shot and because your wrist, back and arm will say "NO MORE!" and and then since the Pilot shares the same kit on this front, inevitably you eventually will probably move up to that Stabilizer.
Oh, and forget the Glidecam. It's garbage next to the Steadicam line. Much less finesse and poorer engineering. If you do go down that front, you will also be obliged to invest in an arm and vest system almost immediatedly for the same reason as stated above.
You might also want to think about the Blackbird. It's a little less compact than the Merlin, but easier to get rolling with and a viable alternative.
All that considered, one day you will want that vest and arm for a cleaner longer shot and because your wrist, back and arm will say "NO MORE!" and and then since the Pilot shares the same kit on this front, inevitably you eventually will probably move up to that Stabilizer.
Oh, and forget the Glidecam. It's garbage next to the Steadicam line. Much less finesse and poorer engineering. If you do go down that front, you will also be obliged to invest in an arm and vest system almost immediatedly for the same reason as stated above.
You might also want to think about the Blackbird. It's a little less compact than the Merlin, but easier to get rolling with and a viable alternative.
gonzo_entertainment
Veteran
You have to add weight. We've used a "real" steadicam before. We stuck an additional monitor, a set of rails, and various other stuff on the cam to add the weight needed to get it to balance.
VGurcu
Well-known member
If the 'balancing' was just the final act of fine tuning you have a point, but if you add the actual 'time' you are spending to fully setup a pilot, vest & arm a Merlin actually balances a 'tenth of the time', not the other way around.
Curious, how can u make such a statement for a product that is not out yet?
Because nothing about the basic design has changed. Still the same form factor, they have only replaced the components with sturdier materials.
John Godden
Well-known member
I'd recommend checking out the Hague product line. I purchased the 'mini motion' for my Pani TM700 and it works GREAT:
http://www.b-hague.co.uk/hague_mini_motion_cam_steadicam_type_camcorder_stabilizer.htm
cheers
johnG
Victor Nhat Nguyen
Well-known member
yoclay, why do you think Glidecam are garbage?
macgregor, I was looking for a steadicam for my D800 and came across this one http://opteka.com/svpro.aspx. Might be worth a look.
New_Zealand
Veteran
This is what I use and it doesn't cost that much:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ils?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1325744306&sr=1-3&seller=
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ils?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1325744306&sr=1-3&seller=
Michael Carter
Veteran
Funny there's no mention of the CMR Blackbird yet. Very popular, less $$ than the Merlin, and it can attach to the merlin arm & vest, allowing you to build into a total system over time.
Blackbird fans go on and on about how easy it is to balance via dialing it in with set screws. I don't own either yet, but all of the research I've done is pushing me towards the CMR.
Blackbird fans go on and on about how easy it is to balance via dialing it in with set screws. I don't own either yet, but all of the research I've done is pushing me towards the CMR.
AndrewTaran
Active member
If you want true dynamic balance, Glidecams are the ways to go. Used all HD series models - set up and rebalance is fast, really easy to operate both handheld and vest. Highly recommended!
ectobuilder
Veteran
Just got my Glidecam Smooth Shooter yesterday to work with my Glidecam HD2000 Sled.
Did some test shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRwViEzq1Yo
In the commentary section of the video I have some quick snippets of footage I took using the Steadicam Pilot and HD2000 Hand Held.
I do miss the dual-telescoping arm of the Pilot but I didn't miss the finicky construction of the Pilot Vest. The overall weight of the Arm/Vest system feels approximately the same as the Pilot, offset by the fact that the Arm is a single Arm which means it is lighter.
It was easier to get through doorways too. Having said that, I'm still going to try to work on finding a build that I can use without an Arm/Vest system and still retain long tracking shots. I'll be experimenting with the HD1000 plus Flycam Nano to see how light I can configure them. So far the only rig that I can fly handheld for long periods of time is the Merlin but the dynamic balance of the Merlin leaves much to be desired.
Did some test shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRwViEzq1Yo
In the commentary section of the video I have some quick snippets of footage I took using the Steadicam Pilot and HD2000 Hand Held.
I do miss the dual-telescoping arm of the Pilot but I didn't miss the finicky construction of the Pilot Vest. The overall weight of the Arm/Vest system feels approximately the same as the Pilot, offset by the fact that the Arm is a single Arm which means it is lighter.
It was easier to get through doorways too. Having said that, I'm still going to try to work on finding a build that I can use without an Arm/Vest system and still retain long tracking shots. I'll be experimenting with the HD1000 plus Flycam Nano to see how light I can configure them. So far the only rig that I can fly handheld for long periods of time is the Merlin but the dynamic balance of the Merlin leaves much to be desired.